All the lawn signs, public forums, televised debates and political advertisements — AI-generated or otherwise — have led to this: It’s Election Day, folks, and a damn interesting one at that.
Nevermind that the fate of the U.S. Congress hangs in the balance. For the first time in years, Vermonters have a real gubernatorial race on our hands!
Democratic/Progressive nominee Amanda Janoo has mounted a credible challenge to popular Republican incumbent Phil Scott, who has trounced opponents in recent elections. Polls have suggested that Janoo has a shot at becoming the first person to defeat an incumbent governor in Vermont since — checks notes — 1962.
The economist from Burlington has crisscrossed the state since winning the party’s nomination in August, spreading a populist message meant to channel frustrations over Vermont’s affordability crisis. She’s been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who appeared with her last month to tout her plan for universal primary care.
Scott is seeking his sixth two-year term. He has run on a stay-the-course theme while painting Janoo as inexperienced and overly idealistic. He’s gotten help spreading that message from the Republican Governors Association, which donated nearly $1 million to a political action committee that has blasted out television and online ads attacking Janoo.
In another hard-fought statewide race, Democrat Molly Gray is looking to win back her old job: lieutenant governor. In her way is incumbent John Rodgers, a Democrat turned Republican who has spent the final weeks of the campaign attacking Gray.
If you’re not one of the 140,000 voters who had already turned in their ballots as of last week and are still looking for a reason to get to the polls, you might also consider the 180 races for the state legislature. Highlights include a three-way contest for House in the Orange-Caledonia district that pits an 18-year-old Democrat, Aiden Otterman, against his 69-year-old Republican great-uncle, Tom Otterman. Newbury Selectboard chair Susan Culp, 54, is running for the same seat as an independent.
And if even that’s not enough to get ya goin’, then chances are quite high that someone you know is among the gazillion people running for justice of the peace.
Polls are open in Vermont from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check back on sevendaysvt.com on Tuesday night to find out who won the top-ticket races.
And read up on our coverage to date by clicking here.
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